A DESIRE by ICI to bow out of Wyre with dignity has led to plans for a high-tech education, business and visitor centre.

Plans were drawn up for the building in Fleetwood, tagged the Pinnacle, after ICI offered to share the costs of a major project if Wyre Borough Council matched its contribution.

Members of the special policy and resources committee were due to discuss the project last night (Jan 14) but it has already generated a lot of interest and there is a possibility of it being adopted as the council's millennium project.

The centre could be connected directly to the Internet giving access to a vast range of multi-media resources from Britain's museums and institutions.

Such would be the technology that virtual reality experiences as well as face-to-face meetings across the world would both be possible.

These facilities would be the main function of the building but it could also house a shop, cafe, balcony and look-out tower with telescopes.

Architects Halliday Meecham have come up with preliminary designs which show a central stone tower rising from a rendered base designed to grow out of the mound on which it would be placed.

The site is yet to be finalised, but is likely to be on the Esplanade opposite the end of Beach Road which offers wide views of Morecambe Bay and beyond.

ICI is winding down its operation in Wyre in the near future and sees this as the perfect way to leave its mark.

Danny O'Neil, site business development manager, commented: "The Pinnacle project will be educational assisting in the regeneration of an area and also linked with environmental digital resources."

Wyre Council leader Richard Anyon shares his enthusiasm, saying: "This is a fascinating project which could be a feather in Wyre's cap.

"ICI's offer of co-operation in the finance and organisation is very welcomed and I am sure we will be able to take it up in a suitable way."

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